When Blaydon’s Skyline Looked Very Different: A Glimpse Into Our Industrial Past of Blaydon History

Long before the Board Inn Blaydon became a familiar meeting place for locals, our corner of the North East looked - and sounded - very different. Anyone who lived in Stella or Blaydon decades ago will remember the towering cooling stacks of Blaydon Power Station rising above the river, filling the skyline with steam and industry.

Built on the banks of the Tyne, the power station was once a major landmark and employer for the area. From the steady rumble of machinery to the sight of long lines of coal wagons feeding the station day after day, it played a huge role in shaping local life. Families here didn’t just live beside the station - generations worked there, laughed there, and built their futures around it.

The photograph above captures a moment in time when the river was lined with heavy industry, the cooling towers stood tall, and the entire valley carried the heartbeat of a working town. Today, the towers and chimneys are long gone, but the memories remain - shared stories, old photographs, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from.

At the Board Inn Blaydon, we want to honour that history. Our pub sits within walking distance of where the power station once stood, and we’re proud to be part of the continuing story of this community - from industrial strength to neighbourly warmth.

If you have memories of the cooling towers, the station, or the old days in Stella and Blaydon, we’d love to hear them. Share your stories with us -  because our heritage lives on through you.